Photographers can be birders, but not all birders are photographers, and not all photographers know the difference between a male and a female Belted Kingfisher, as can be seen in this video. However, it was a good video to show how close one can get in a blind.
These uncommon but ubiquitous birds will fish for minnows on any exposed perch just a few feet over water. They will hover, often like the American Kestrel to locate prey, and will even do the same for observers that they know mean them no harm. They also will take lizard, insects, salamanders, frogs, and even mice.
Male Belted Kingfisher
Kingfishers dive headfirst to glean prey from the water and incorporate quick bursts of a couple of wing flaps with several slower ones in order for them to remain aloft and steady.
The only breeding kingfisher in Oklahoma, this pandemic breeder prefers to breed near water where they can set up nesting areas in sand- or mudbanks. Sandy clay soil seems to be the preferred substrate and nesting is near a snag or a dying tree. Nesting usually begins in late April or June.
Their preference for food lends to small fish, and the male will retire away from the nest site. They have a large territory of a mile or better. Young remain in the nest and under care for a good month. They are taught to fish, then the parent will beat the fish almost to unconsciousness to provide good practice for their understudies. Surprisingly, the young are fit to be on their own in about ten days to two weeks.
Female Belted Kingfisher
Their harsh, rattling call can often be heard before they make an appearance.
Most of the kingfishers that I have seen regularly are during the winter months where courtship is at a slow place. Both sexes will appear shy for quite some time, then suddenly they see fit to pair. After pairing, they show themselves occasionally, then get busy with nesting business. in the summer.
Male Belted Kingfisher
